Committee backs bill creating "extremely remote" school designation, including funding multiplier and restrictions on closure

A Senate committee agreed to a bill, as amended, that would create an “extremely remote school” designation, provide additional state aid for such schools and restrict counties’ ability to close qualifying schools.

Counsel Hank summarized the committee substitute: an extremely remote school is defined as a school located 20 miles or more from an existing public, public charter, or private school established prior to 2024 and serving a minimum of 20 students. The bill would count each enrolled student in an extremely remote school as 2.5 students for state aid funding purposes, prohibit closure of an extremely remote school, require county boards to provide documentation requested by the state superintendent, and require annual reporting by counties that receive additional funds. The state superintendent would compile the reports and forward an assessment and recommendations to LOSIA (as referenced in the bill).

Senators raised implementation and scope questions. Committee members noted the fiscal note initially identified Harmon School (K–12) as the only school that clearly qualified under the 20-mile, 20-student threshold; Harmon was described in committee discussion as having about 109 students, while Pickens was discussed as having roughly 35. Senators questioned how the 20-mile distance was measured, how bus ride safety and terrain would factor into eligibility, and whether the funding multiplier was a novel mechanism; counsel said the 2.5 weighting is unusual but has precedent in historical special education weightings.

The committee considered and debated amendments. A senator proposed reducing the mileage threshold; that proposal was withdrawn after discussion and because the bill still proceeds to finance where further work can be completed. Marion offered a conceptual amendment clarifying that a county board that accepts the additional formula funds for an extremely remote school may not close that school — tying the no‑closure prohibition to receipt of the additional funding. The committee adopted Marion’s amendment by voice vote.

After discussion and amendments, the vice chair moved that Senate Bill 516, as amended, be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass and, under the original double committee reference, first be referred to the Committee on Finance. The motion carried by voice vote.

Committee discussion repeatedly framed the bill as intended to preserve small, geographically isolated community schools for safety and community reasons while acknowledging potential cost and staffing challenges. The bill requires county boards to submit documentation requested by the state superintendent for eligibility determinations and requires annual reporting on fund use.